Xavi will be strutting his stuff in this first-leg encounter, which  takes place at 20.15 GST on Tuesday at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

The 36 year old has been with the Qatar-based outfit since last May, and the Spain midfielder will likely be key to his side’s hopes of progress to the group stages of the Asian Champions League.

Al Jazira and Al Sadd are vying for a place in Group C of the ACL alongside Pakhtakor, Al Hilal and Tractorsazi Tabriz.

Al Sadd have good pedigree in the ACL, having won it twice in their history, most recently in 2011, while Al Jazira have yet to make the winners podium.

Al Sadd’s new winter signings Pedro, Iran defender Morteza Pouraliganji and Qatar international Hassan Al Haydoos join captain Xavi as part of the squad travelling to the UAE.